Versatile and Cost Effective, the Biodex FreeStep SAS Improves Safety for both Patients and Therapists

“We've only had our Biodex FreeStep SAS for two months here at Specialized Physical Therapy inCherry Hill, NJ, but we already depend on it when working with patients that have balance or gait abnormalities who require close supervision and varying levels of assistance. In addition to adding necessary support, this device promotes increased confidence in patients who have a fear of falling. It also helps ensure the safety of our therapists - especially when they are working with patients who require maximum assistance or greater.

“Originally, I was interested in the FreeStep SAS because it provided a safe new venue to work with patients that have difficulty walking. The ceiling track suspension system also seemed to make a lot of sense because we have limited space at our facility. As we grew more familiar with the device, however, we discovered many additional uses and it has become a truly integral part of our integrated approach to rehabilitation with weak and balance deficient individuals. Indeed, it has been a perfect fit that has taken us to a higher level in terms of services we can provide.

“Our FreeStep SAS ceiling overhead track is positioned above a treadmill and then continues over an open floor area in a straight-line setup. We based this layout on one of the suggested floor plans available on the Biodex web site. We have two harnesses and a pair of eight-foot long tracks so we can have two patients using the FreeStep SAS at one time. When we use the FreeStep SAS with more than one patient at a time we have one person working on the treadmill while the other performs balance activities over the floor area. As we've grown more familiar and comfortable using this device, we've found it increasingly easy to set up for patient use. 

“Because of the obvious safety assurances and ease of setup, our therapists really like using the FreeStep SAS. Before we acquired this system there were times when we needed as many as three therapists to help a single patient use a walker. Now we need only one therapist - and the risk of injury to our therapists as they work with patients requiring greater levels of assistance has been significantly reduced. Some of our patients weigh in excess of 300 pounds but the FreeStep SAS gives us the ability to be safe with them and safe with ourselves. 

“Of course, our patients are happy with this device as well. Once the harness is in place they are able to concentrate on walking properly instead of worrying about falling. The system gives them extra confidence, allowing them to attempt movements they might otherwise avoid due to fear of falling. In the long run, it helps them substantially improve balance because they grow more willing to challenge their body. In addition to the pathologies already noted, the FreeStep can also be used in stroke, amputee and head injury rehabilitation, with Parkinson's patients, TBI and SCI patients, and those recovering from total hip and knee replacements where falling could lead to a major setback.

“Typically, we see about 160 patient visits a week at our facility with 20 to 40 sessions on the FreeStep SAS - but there is still plenty of room for us to further incorporate this device. During the system installation ourBiodexrepresentative even showed us how the FreeStep SAS could be used for other clinical applications such as range of motion activities for the upper and lower extremities.  

“In short, I would certainly recommend the Biodex FreeStep SAS for other rehabilitation clinics - whether or not they have space limitations. If you are looking to effectively and efficiently provide balance training and gait training to weak or balance deficient patients of all shapes and sizes, this versatile product will help get the job done safely and cost effectively.”